CLEVELAND — The NFL's investigation of the latest allegations against Deshaun Watson has concluded, and the Browns quarterback will face no further disciple from the league.
In a statement to 3News, NFL Director of Communications Tim Schlittner confirmed the league's probe was closed with "insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy." The inquiry stemmed from a lawsuit filed against Watson back in September, with a woman claiming Watson sexually assaulted her in her apartment in 2020 during his time as a member of the Houston Texans.
Watson reached a confidential settlement with the plaintiff in October, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that month that the league's investigation was still ongoing. It was just the most recent of more than two dozen accusations of sexual misconduct against Watson, who was suspended 11 games in 2022 in the wake of the prior charges.
Watson's agreement to accept punishment two years ago contained stipulations that he could not face future discipline for allegations purported to have taken place during a certain time period, even if those claims were not previously known for the public. However, if the NFL had deemed this latest charge did not apply to the terms of the settlement, then more penalties could've been on the table.
Since 2021, Watson has faced a total of 27 lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault, harassment, or other misconduct. Of those cases, 24 have now been settled and another was dropped by the plaintiff, while two remain pending.
A Texas grand jury in 2022 declined to indict Watson on criminal charges related to a number of the claims, and weeks later the Browns traded for him and signed him to a then-record $230 million guaranteed contract. The 29-year-old has consistently denied the charges against him.
Since arriving in Cleveland, Watson's play on the field has been almost as erratic as the scrutiny he's faced off of it, with him commonly rating as one of the worst QBs in the league over his three years with the club. His last two seasons have also ended with devastating injuries, including a ruptured Achilles less than two months ago that has many wondering about his long-term future with the Browns.